A Study of Some Failures in Methadone Treatment

The authors conducted a follow-up survey of 66 patients who had dropped out of a methadone maintenance program. Six had died since discharge. Of the 53 who were located and interviewed, 34 had been hospitalized for physical or mental conditions or for detoxification. Though 13 had not been arrested since discharge, the others accounted for more than 110 arrests, 78 incarcerations, and 63 convictions. Except among the 15 who were then institutionalized, with abstinence enforced, the use of heroin continued to be a dominant activity: only two were in methadone programs and only two had been abstinent for a significant length of time. The authors believe that there should be a greater effort to retain addicts in methadone programs in order to improve their chances of rehabilitation.